Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has a steep learning curve. Unlike other martial arts, it can take a long time for BJJ to start to click. In short, this is due to BJJ being a complex and dynamic mental puzzle. For newcomers especially, the question is often asked, what is the best way to start learning BJJ?
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Nothing beats regular training
Diving straight into BJJ is a good way to get going. Instead of thinking about the best possibilities, sometimes the best idea is to jump right in. Because of this, nothing beats regular training. The goal is to drill and get your muscle memory in tune with the BJJ movements. Complemented with regular sparring, you will quickly learn the ropes.
Remember, everyone starts as a white belt and is a beginner at some point. With this said, it’s good to embrace the grind and acknowledge that you will be bad at BJJ to begin with. The idea is to train as much as possible, both for drilling and sparring. With this done, progress may not feel instant but it is probably the most efficient way to improve. Too often newcomers will stand on the sidelines and try and learn the culture without training properly. In short, train regularly and you will see the results. It doesn’t matter if you aren’t good, no one is to begin with.
Watching videos will help your BJJ
Watching BJJ videos will definitely help. However, there is a method for doing this. You have to be able to drill these thoughts into reality. By this, we mean watching a video enough times until it becomes ingrained into your head. From then onwards, you need to get a partner and drill these moves with. Too often a newcomer sees a video and then tries it in sparring. This isn’t ideal as you need to drill the move beforehand to get comfortable with it. Basically, it may seem easy in your head but pulling off a move in sparring is a completely different ball game.
With this in mind, it’s best to watch simple, basic videos to begin with. Instead of watching gimmicky, fancy moves – you should focus on the fundamentals. The problem with the more advanced moves is that you may not understand the movements and structure behind them. This means it’s harder for your brain to pick up the correct positions and patterns so from there you fail to put it into practice. To conclude, pick a solid move, watch it online, and then drill it until you feel confident.
Release your ego and become experimental
This advice doesn’t just apply to new students. Too often, people try the same moves and only focus on their A-game. Whilst this may work in competition, you should also focus on expanding your game. For instance, you may become too predictable if you try the same moves again and again. Here, the idea is to switch up your skillset and learn new ideas.
For example, having one dominant pass is fine. However, you should complement this by having other passes that can be called upon if needed. This is important to avoid becoming predictable and too one dimensional. The problem is that too many people want to win during sparring which may be good in the short-term. However, the practitioner who trains the smartest will win in the end. This concept is often ignored by practitioners who form bad habits based on short-term success. By looking ahead, you can improve your game massively.
Avoid using strength or athleticism
Both these are positives that will enhance your Jiu Jitsu. However, they can also hinder you. For example, if a practitioner has 30KG on their opponent and uses only their strength and size to win, then they have effectively cheated themselves out of learning. Whilst this perhaps isn’t 100% true, what is meant that technique can be avoided. At some point, the lighter opponent will stop making fundamental mistakes and capitalize on the heavier opponent’s lack of technique.
A stereotype of this is the strong guy who only does Americana’s. Whilst the Americana is a solid move, it also requires more strength than an average submission. Because of this, you should mix it up and try other things that can’t be muscled on so easily. Similar to the previous section based on ego, the idea is to avoid your strengths to grow as a martial artist. Of course, it’s good to call upon strength and athleticism when needed, but relying on them all the time can be a negative.
Listening to higher belts
In BJJ, higher belts are usually knowledgeable. This means they can be called upon to learn moves and help you progress. Whilst it may be impolite to ask an unknown higher belt for advice, asking one you know will most likely result in learning new techniques. For example, if you don’t know how to finish a sweep, the likelihood is that the higher belt will be able to explain the intricacies of the move.
This means you’re effectively getting a 5-10 minute private from a higher belt. This information is priceless and if you make an effort to listen to their knowledge then it can really enhance your game. Too often, new students are intimidated by higher belts and avoid them. However, they’re only human and as said previously, they too were once beginners. Because of this, they can be a useful tool to help with your learning.
Open mat will improve you
Open mat combines many of the issues which have already been addressed. For instance, it’s a time to drill new moves and talk to higher belts. It’s also a time to get in rounds of sparring which will add vital experience. Because of this, open mat is great for people of all skill levels to gain new techniques.
There may be someone from another school or with a different style that can help add to your game. As a result, frequenting open mat should be a priority as it can help improve all aspects of BJJ.
Summary
Ultimately, the best way to learn BJJ is by regular, honest training. This involves as much drilling and sparring as possible. Because of this, there are no short-cuts and you may feel plateaus at times. However, the end result will be progress. Combined with the likes of watching videos and asking others for advice, you will quickly enhance your BJJ compared to those who try to cut corners and are less open-minded. Overall, efficiently improving your BJJ is simple – as long as you stick to these principles.
